United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I have a 2 wheel bike, but still have the training wheels on. I have trouble steering and balancing. Any ideas on how I can get better at riding my bike and getting the training wheels off? I can't grab things with my left hand and my left arm can help a little. Thanks, Taylor

Hi Taylor,
I think this is one of those things that are going to be tricky. I think I was about your age when my dad and grandma decided they should teach me to ride a bike with no training wheels, so they just took mine off and pushed me. I learned.

Tips though, its easiest to have a smaller bike that way you can still reach the ground very easily. I could never hold on to the bike handle with my right hand so I just learned to ride with only my left hand steering. This made turning hard so I would stop my bike feet donw and walk the turn then get going again. I still do this sometimes. But you can learn to turn using your right arm only. I even learned to ride my bike with no hands and could turn my bike. That took a lot of practice and a few wipe outs.

Mostly you just have to trust yourself! You are going to fall down, thats part of learning and being a kid. But have fun! I know you can do it!
Hugs,
Amy
20 years old ROBPI from Minnesota

Taylor, I know how you feel. I was 9 and a half when I finally got my training wheels off. It took a lot of practice and quite a few wipe-outs too. A smaller bike helps (mine was) so you can reach the ground easier, like Amy said.
Good Luck!!
Marieke (31, LOBPI)

I don't ride bikes. I did when I was little and had a tricycle but I can't now because of my balance and I am really scared of falling. I fell once and it was really bad. My dad took off my training wheels and I haven't rode my bike since. I am too old for training wheels. I don't think I will ever ride a bike.

Maia

Taylor:
My daughter, Juliana, is 7 1/2 and just learned to ride a two-wheeler. Her sister helped her learn. They used the same method that I used for all of my kids. Here it is:
you need a bike that is short enough that your feet can sit flat on the ground while you are sitting on the bike. You also need a decent amount of pavement (maybe the school yard on a weekend). Start with your feet on the ground and "walk" the bike forward. When you feel comfortable, start "gliding" the bike forward. By that I mean walking it, but putting time between each push. When you feel comfortable, push with one foot and just when you feel uncomfortable, push with the other foot. If you feel the bike tipping, put your feet down. Now you have control. Keep "gliding" the bike until you can really go " push, push, glide" over and over. Only after you feel comfortable gliding, do you start pedaling. Biking is about feeling comfortable with the instability of the bike. The gliding helps you learn about that feeling, and putting your feet down helps you learn to control the bike. Now, you can push off the ground and then put your feet on the pedals and pedal. If you think you are going to fall, put your feet down. My kids all learned in one day, usually within a few hours.

Juliana can reach the bike handles, though her left doesn't do much of the steering. Her right really does it. But if you watch really accomplished bikers, they can steer without any hands (as can my son!). They steer by using their bodies. It also takes practice. Juliana went out into the driveway every day for two-weeks after she learned the two-wheeler. Now she is a very accomplished rider and goes on 45 minute rides with her siblings and her dad.

You can do this.

good luck,
claudia

GREAT advice an detailed steps,Claudia!

I wish I had guidance when I learned hoe to ride[never had training wheels in those olden days..lol]. I just gutted it out and I have scars on my knees to this day to prove it!...LOL.

HUGS,Taylor!! <<<<HUG))))
Carolyn J
LOBPI/69(aka.,UBPN Gramma Carolyn J)

My son is 8 1/2 and drides a two wheeler. The trick is learning on a small bike....probably too small at first and then move up as you get more confident. Good Luck !!!

Gayle Mom of brandon 8 1/2 ROBPI